Absorbent pad including a fastening tab having an aperture

ABSTRACT

An absorbent pad includes a body, having a first edge, and a first tab projecting from the first edge wherein the first tab and the first edge outline a first aperture.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/927,295 filed on 29 Oct. 2019, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates generally to a new and improved feminine hygiene product in the form of a sanitary pad system adapted for absorbing blood excreted from the vagina of the wearer during the menstrual cycle as well as for other conditions.

BACKGROUND

Many different sanitary pads and sanitary pad systems have been developed over time and some of those are currently being commercially marketed. Despite many advances in design over the years, further improvements are still possible, particularly, as related to ease of use and effectiveness in operation.

The pads and the sanitary pad system disclosed in this document addresses these and other concerns and represents a significant advance in the art.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the purposes and benefits described herein, a new and improved absorbent pad is provided. That absorbent pad comprises (a) a body having a first edge and (b) a first tab projecting from the first edge. The first tab and the first edge outline a first aperture.

The body may further include a second edge. A second tab may project from the second edge. The second tab and the second edge may outline a second aperture. Further, the first tab may be disposed opposite of the second tab.

An adhesive may be provided on at least one face of the first tab and the second tab. In addition, a removable release paper may protect that adhesive until use.

The first tab may include a first arcuate side, a second arcuate side, a first end and a second end. The first side may be opposite the second side. The first end and the second end may both be connected to the first edge of the body. Further, the first tab may have a consistent width between the first and second sides.

In accordance with an additional aspect, an absorbent pad comprises a first tab with an aperture. That first tab may include a first arcuate side and a second arcuate side opposite the first arcuate side.

The first tab may include a first end and a second end. The first and second ends may both be connected to an edge of the body of the absorbent pad.

The absorbent pad may further include a second tab with a second aperture. The first tab may project from a first edge of the body of the absorbent pad. The second tab may project from a second edge of the body. In one or more embodiments, the first tab is opposite the second tab.

Both of the first and second tabs may include first and second arcuate sides wherein the second side is opposite the first side. Both of the first and second tabs may also include first and second ends. The two ends of the first tab may be connected to the first edge of the body. The two ends of the second tab may both be connected to the second edge of the body.

In the following description, there are shown and described several preferred embodiments of the absorbent pad. As it should be realized, the absorbent pad is capable of other, different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the absorbent pad as set forth and described in the following claims. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

The accompanying drawing figures incorporated herein and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the sanitary pad system and together with the description serve to explain certain principles thereof.

FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate a first embodiment of the sanitary pad system.

FIG. 1A is a detailed perspective view of a first pad of the first embodiment of the sanitary pad system.

FIG. 1B is a detailed perspective view of a second pad of the first embodiment of the sanitary pad system.

FIGS. 1C-1E are respective detailed side elevational, top plan and bottom plan views illustrating the first embodiment of the sanitary pad system secured in place on an undergarment with the second pad overlying or overlapping the first pad.

FIG. 1F is a cross sectional view taken through the pads stacked on the undergarment.

FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate a second embodiment of the sanitary pad system.

FIG. 2A is a detailed perspective view of a first pad of the second embodiment of the sanitary pad system.

FIG. 2B is a detailed perspective view of a second pad of the second embodiment of the sanitary pad system.

FIGS. 2C-2E are respective detailed side elevational, top plan and bottom plan views illustrating the second embodiment of the sanitary pad system secured in place on an undergarment with the second pad overlying or overlapping the first pad.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a fastening tab including a partially peeled release paper exposing an adhesive coating on a face of the fastening tab.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This document relates to a sanitary pad system incorporating two or more independent absorbent pads that may be stacked on an undergarment to absorb body exudates such as menses, urine and fecal matter. Advantageously, the pads are secured in position on the undergarment by offset tabs that do not overlap. As a result, each pad is directly secured or connected to the undergarment independent of the other.

This unique configuration of tabs allows one to easily remove and dispose of the top pad at any desired time in a most convenient manner without removing the underlying pad or in any way adversely interfering with the connection of the underlying pad to the undergarment. In other words, the tabs of the underlying pad remain undisturbed and in place securely holding the underlying pad in the desired position.

As used herein, the term “offset” signifies tabs which are non-overlapping, asymmetrical, or emanate from different areas of the pad edges on either side of the pad (e.g., such that they are not directly across from each other), or any combination thereof. For instance, in the present invention, FIG. 1A depicts tabs that are offset from each other in that they do not overlap and a first tab 14/20 emanates from the upper left edge of the pad while a second tab 14/22 emanates from a bottom right edge of the pad. The term “offset” can also be used herein to describe the tabs disposed in a sanitary pad system where there is no overlap of any of the tabs of a first pad and a second pad as shown and described relative to FIGS. 1C, 1D, 2A, and 2B.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A-1E illustrating a first possible embodiment of a sanitary pad system 10. That sanitary pad system 10 includes a first pad 12 including a first set of fastening tabs 14 adapted for attaching the first pad to an undergarment U of the wearer (see FIG. 1A). The sanitary pad system 10 further includes a second pad 16 having a second set of fastening tabs 18 for attaching the second pad to the undergarment U of the wearer (see FIG. 1B). More specifically, the second set of fastening tabs 18 are offset from the first set of fastening tabs 14 so that both pads 12, 16 may be directly attached to the undergarment U of the wearer when the second pad is stacked upon or overlies the first pad (see FIGS. 1C-1E).

More specifically, the first set of fastening tabs 14 includes two opposed and offset fastening tabs 20, 22 with a first fastening tab 20 of the first set of fastening tabs projecting from one edge 12 a of the first pad 12 and a second fastening tab 22 of the first set of fastening tabs projecting from a second, opposite edge 12 b of the first pad (see FIG. 1A). As shown, tabs 20 and 22 are not disposed across from each other; tab 20 emanates from the upper left edge portion of the pad 12 and tab 22 emanates from the lower right edge portion of the pad 12. The second set of fastening tabs 18 on the second pad 16 also includes two opposed and offset fastening tabs 24, 26 with a third fastening tab 24 of the second set of fastening tabs projecting from a corresponding first edge 16 a of the second pad and a fourth fastening tab 26 of the second set of fastening tabs projecting from a corresponding second edge 16 b of the second pad (see FIG. 1B). As shown, tabs 24 and 26 are not disposed across from each other; tab 24 emanates from the lower left edge portion of the pad 16 and tab 26 emanates from the lower right edge portion of the pad 16. Significantly, the third fastening tab 24 is also offset from the first fastening tab 20 and the fourth fastening tab 26 is also offset from the second fastening tab 22 when the first and second pads 12, 16 are in a stacked configuration.

In use, the user attaches the first pad 12 to the undergarment at a desired position using the first set of fastening tabs 14. The user then positions the second pad 16 over the first pad and attaches the second pad to the undergarment U using the second set of fastening tabs 18. Here it should be appreciated that each fastening tab 20, 22, 24, 26 includes an adhesive surface (as shown in FIG. 3) for attaching the associated pad 12, 16 to an undergarment U of the wearer. The offset fastening tab arrangement is adapted to allow both pads 12, 16 to be adhered directly to an undergarment U of the wearer when the second pad 16 is stacked so as to overlie the first pad 12. A side view of the arrangement from the perspective of tab 14/20 and tab 18/24 of the first and second pads 12 and 16 respectively is shown in FIG. 1C. The present invention contemplates that tabs may each be of a different shape or size with respect to any other tab or that tabs 18 of the second pad may be of a different size or shape than the tabs 14 of the first pad. For instance, the tabs 18 of the second pad may be larger or longer than the tabs 14 of the first pad to accommodate the distance to the undergarment as shown in FIG. 1C.

As illustrated in FIG. 1F, the first pad 12 may include an absorbent material layer 15 of a type known in the art, adapted to absorb body exudates such as menses and a liquid impervious backing layer 17. Similarly, the second pad 16 may include an absorbent material layer 19 and a liquid impervious backing layer 21. When stacked, the liquid impervious layer 21 of the second pad 16 prevents the body exudate being absorbed by the absorbent material layer 19 from soaking through and fouling the absorbent material layer 15 of the first pad 12. To further ensure this result, the second pad 16 may have a larger surface area than the first pad 12 so as to extend beyond the first pad over the entire perimeter thereof.

After a certain period of time, the second, overlying pad 16 has reached the end of its useful life. The user then removes the second pad 16 by releasing the second set of fastening tabs 18 from the undergarment U. As the second set of fastening tabs 18 is offset from the first set of fastening tabs 14 holding the first pad 12 in position on the undergarment U, the first pad remains secured in the desired position to absorb blood excreted from the vagina of the wearer. The user then disposes of the second pad 16.

More specifically, the liquid impervious backing layer 21 of the second pad 16 has a smooth, slick outer surface that will not stick to the underlying absorbent layer 15 of the first pad. Further, since the second fastening tab set 18 is offset from the first fastening tab set 14, the first fastening tab set is not subjected to any removal or releasing force and pulled free in any way when the second pad 16 is removed. Thus, the first pad 12 remains securely held in position on the undergarment U.

Once the useful life of the first pad 12 has expired, the first pad is subsequently removed by releasing the first set of fastening tabs 14. A new sanitary pad system 10 is then repositioned on the undergarment of the wearer if desired.

FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate an alternative embodiment of the sanitary pad system 10′ very similar to the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1F except for the configuration of the two sets of offset fastening tabs 14′, 18′. While the fastening tabs 20, 22, 24, 26 of the first and second set of fastening tabs 14, 18 in the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1F are all semi-circular in shape, the second set of fastening tabs 18′ (including fastening tabs 24′ and 26′) in the second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2E are substantially semi-annular in shape and adapted to extend around the first set of fastening tabs 14′ (including fastening tabs 20′ and 22′) that are semi-circular in shape when the two pads 12′, 16′ are connected or adhered in an overlapping configuration to the undergarment U of the wearer. In other words, the first set of fastening tabs 14′ fit within the semi-circular openings outlined by (or apertures provided in) the second set of fastening tabs 18′. The tabs 14′ and tabs 18′ do not however, overlap. Note the first semi-circular opening 25 a on receiver 25′ formed between the tab 24′ and the first edge 29 a of the pad 16′ and the second semi-circular opening 25 b on receiver 27′ formed between the tab 26′ and the second edge 29 b of the pad 16′ as best illustrated in FIG. 2B. Receivers 25′ and 27′ of the present invention can comprise openings or apertures 25 a and 25 b of any feasible shape.

More specifically, as best illustrated in FIG. 2B, the tab 18′/24′ includes a first arcuate side 40, a second arcuate side 42, a first end 44 and a second end 46. The first arcuate side 40 is opposite the second arcuate side 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the tab 18′/24′ has a constant width between the first end 44 and the second end 46.

As further illustrated in FIG. 2B, the first end 44 and the second end 46 are both attached or connected to the first edge 29 a of the absorbent pad/body 16′. As should be appreciated, in the illustrated embodiment, the tab 18′/26′ has a structural arrangement that is a mirror image of the tab 18′/24′ (i.e. the second tab 18′/26′ has a first end, second end, first arcuate side and second arcuate side just like the first tab 18′/24′).

As should be appreciated, the fastening tab sets may assume other forms and shapes in addition to those illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1F and 2A-2E so long as the first and second set of fastening tabs 14, 18 are offset in a manner allowing the fastening tabs on both the first pad 12 and the second pad 16 to be adhered directly to the undergarment U of the wearer. Thus, for example, the first set of fastening tabs 14′ could be semi-annular in shape while the second set of fastening tabs 18′ could be semi-circular in shape: that is, the opposite of that illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2E. Alternatively, the fastening tabs 20, 22, 24, 26 could be a completely different shape than those illustrated such as rectangular or square.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, in any of the many possible embodiments, the fastening tab sets 14, 18, 14′, 18′ may comprise adhesive tabs including an adhesive coating 30 on one face 32. That adhesive coating 30 may be protected before use by a removable release paper 34. When one seeks to secure a pad 12, 16, 12′, 16′ to an undergarment U, one peels the release paper 34 from the tab 20, 22, 24, 26, 20′, 22′, 24′, 26′. As this is done, the adhesive stays on the tab 20, 22, 24, 26, 20′, 22′, 24′, 26′ where it functions to adhere the tab to the undergarment U and thereby secure the associated pad 12, 16, 12′, 16′ in place.

The foregoing has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments of the sanitary pad system 10, 10′ to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, besides altering the number and shape of the fastening tabs, the pads 12, 16, 12′, 16′ may also have other adhesive surfaces. For example, the first pad 12, 12′ could have an adhesive along its rear surface to adhere to the undergarment U. Further, while two stackable pads 12, 16, 12′, 16′ are shown in the illustrated embodiments, more than two could be provided. In addition, while disposable pads 12, 16, 12′, 16′ are contemplated, the pads could be washable and reusable if desired. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled. 

What is claimed:
 1. An absorbent pad, comprising: a body having a first edge; and a first tab projecting from said first edge, said first tab and said first edge outlining a first aperture.
 2. The absorbent pad of claim 1, wherein said body further includes a second edge.
 3. The absorbent pad of claim 2, further including a second tab projecting from said second edge.
 4. The absorbent pad of claim 3, wherein said second edge and said second tab outline a second aperture.
 5. The absorbent pad of claim 4, wherein said first tab is disposed opposite said second tab.
 6. The absorbent pad of claim 5, further including an adhesive on at least one face of said first tab and said second tab.
 7. The absorbent pad of claim 6, further including a removable release paper protecting said adhesive on said first tab and said second tab.
 8. The absorbent pad of claim 1, wherein said first tab includes a first arcuate side, a second arcuate side, a first end and a second end.
 9. The absorbent pad of claim 8, wherein said first arcuate side is opposite said second arcuate side.
 10. The absorbent pad of claim 9, wherein said first end and said second end are both connected to said first edge.
 11. The absorbent pad of claim 10, wherein said first tab has a constant width between said first side and said second side.
 12. An absorbent pad comprising a first tab with an aperture.
 13. The absorbent pad of claim 12, wherein said first tab includes a first arcuate side and a second arcuate side opposite said first arcuate side.
 14. The absorbent pad of claim 12, wherein said first tab includes a first and a second end, wherein said first end and said second end are both connected to an edge of a body of the absorbent pad.
 15. The absorbent pad of claim 12, further including a second tab with a second aperture.
 16. The absorbent pad of claim 12, further including a body, said first tab projecting from a first edge of said body.
 17. The absorbent pad of claim 16, wherein said body includes a second edge, said second tab projecting from said body.
 18. The absorbent pad of claim 15, wherein said first tab is opposite said second tab.
 19. The absorbent pad of claim 18, wherein said first tab includes a first arcuate side and a second arcuate side opposite said first arcuate side.
 20. The absorbent pad of claim 19, wherein said first tab includes a first end and a second end wherein said first end and said second end are both connected to said first edge of said body. 